Bella's POV
The shrill ring of my phone cut through the kitchen noise just as I finished drying my hands. Water droplets still clung to my fingers when I grabbed the device. Mrs. Martha's name glowed on the screen, sending an immediate chill down my spine.
"Bella." Her voice carried that careful tone people use when delivering news that could go either way. My pulse quickened as I braced myself. "Your mother regained consciousness. She's been asking for Kaden."
The relief hit me like a wave, loosening the knots that had been twisting in my chest for days. She was awake. That was the good part. The fact that she wanted Kaden first stung a little, though I understood why. They hadn't seen each other in months, only maintaining contact through occasional phone calls before her collapse.
"She specifically asked for Kaden?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.
"Multiple times. I figured you should contact him immediately."
